I tug at his leathers, desperate, impatient, trying to push them off, frustrated with the straps, the layers—
By the gods, why does he wear so much?
Thane chuckles against my lips, the sound low, rough, entirely too knowing. Then he pulls back just enough to unfasten his leather top and strip his shirt off—and tosses it aside.
Oh.
Oh.
My fingers freeze where they were curled against his stomach—because Thane is all strength. Every inch of him carved in shadow and muscle, built for battle.
Built forme.
His arms brace on either side of me, his shoulders flex as he lowers himself again—and everything in me coils tight. I can’t think. I can’t speak. I can only feel.
The heat of his skin. The weight of him above me. The storm building between us, pulling tighter, hotter—now.
I reach for him again, dragging my hands over his chest, down his stomach, greedy for the feel of him—mapping every ridge, every line.
And gods help me—I want more.
When I pull him back down to me, there’s nothing left between us.
Thane groans my name into my mouth, his voice low, rough—wrecked. “Amara.”
It’s not just a sound—it’s a confession. A release. A breaking point.
His hands move slowly, sliding up my stomach, fingersdragging over my skin, leaving fire in their wake. Then—he cups my breast, his palm warm, his thumb brushing. Teasing. Testing.
I gasp, my body arching instinctively into his touch.
“Fuuuck,” Thane growls.
His forehead drops to mine—just for a beat.
Like he’s trying to hold onto something.
Restraint, maybe.
Then, against my lips—his voice low, rough. “Gods, Amara. You have no idea how much I’ve wanted you. How long I’ve wantedthis.”
I don’t know if I breathe or whimper or whisper his name, but it doesn’t matter because Thane is done waiting. Done with the pull and push.
And so am I.
Thane kisses me until I’m dizzy, his hands exploring my body, his body all heat and strength pressing into mine.
But then, he pulls back for a moment to look at me.
A pulse of energy bursts from me, unbidden, rushing outward. For a split second, I don’t understand what I’ve done. Not until I feel the air against my bare skin.
Andall of him.
Every inch. Every breath. Every heartbeat, wrapped in magics and fire andneed.
I freeze.
Thane does too.
